Friday, December 19, 2008

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence


I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris was originally published in 2006. My trade paperback edition was released in October 2008 from the Hachette Book Group and is the book I won from a blog give away. It is 305 pages, including the index. The first pesky detail that needs to be covered is the question: is this a cook book on entertaining or is this a humorous book that just happens to have entertaining as it's main subject? It is full of recipes, some of which I will definitely try, but, in reality, you need to consider this book as humorous look at entertaining. It seems the reviewers who want I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence to be a cookbook are disappointed in it.

I Like You has a retro look and feel to it. If you grew up in the 60's and 70's you are going to know exactly what I mean. Some of the photos could have almost have been taken right out of books and magazines during that time. The content, though, is definitely not retro. I am sure that many people could find some of Sedaris' jokes offensive. She is wickedly funny, though, so if you can laugh at politically incorrect and inappropriate jokes about drug addicts, alcoholics, old people, and personal hygiene, for example, you will like this book. Included among all the fun are delicious, accurate recipes and (often kitchy) decorating tips. There were a few jokes that went over the line and were too much for me to handle. Rating: 4 (with an adult humor warning)

From the Publisher:
Are you lacking direction in how to whip up a swanky soiree for lumberjacks? A dinner party for white-collar workers? A festive gathering for the grieving? Don't despair. Take a cue from entertaining expert Amy Sedaris and host an unforgettable fete that will have your guests raving. No matter the style or size of the gathering--from the straightforward to the bizarre--I LIKE YOU provides jackpot recipes and solid advice laced with Amy's blisteringly funny take on entertaining, plus four-color photos and enlightening sidebars on everything it takes to pull off a party with extraordinary flair. You don't even need to be a host or hostess to benefit--Amy offers tips for guests, too! Readers will discover unique dishes to serve alcoholics (Broiled Frozen Chicken Wings with Applesauce), the secret to a successful children's party (a half-hour time limit, games included), plus an appendix chock-full of arts and crafts ideas (a mini pantyhose plant-hanger), and much, much more!
Quotes:

" 'Hello, and I like you.' This is what you're saying when you invite somebody into your home, without having to hear yourself say it outloud." pg. 10

"I also think it is worthwhile to create a party log because it would be a wonderful item for someone to find after you die. I'd buy that at a flea market." pg. 19

"If all the guests have the same kind of job, the result can be geeky shoptalk, and that's not a party - that's called a convention. Make sure your guest list isn't always the same - that's a club." pg. 20

"A guest shouldn't bring over anything that isn't assembled....or anything that needs to be put in the oven for a long time or needs room in the freezer." pg. 24
(I've actually have had or observed guests doing all of these things!)

"Never try to out dress the hostess unless you are the guest of honor, or a transvestite." pg. 25

"Cashiers will notice patterns like ice cream at midnight three days in a row. The same is true for liquor. Rotate your stores." pg. 29

The day of the party is also the time when I go around the house organizing my sale items. I may have failed to mention earlier, but I like to make money from my party guests." pg. 32

"Don't start cleaning up while your guests are leaving, save it for later. I actually love nothing more than doing my dishes after a party because it gives me time to reflect." pg. 37
(I feel the exact same way. I like to clean up afterwards, by myself.)

"Don't make the mistake of telling people you collect something specific like frogs or Star Trek paraphernalia because once you do you'll get them for the rest of your life. Most collectors like to seek things out for themselves. That's the fun of collecting." pg. 191

1 comment:

samantha.1020 said...

This sounds like a fun read. Thanks for sharing!